Thanks, Coach Whatley and Minden

My son, Dick Lawson, was born in Georgia with special learning disabilities. We placed him in public, private and military schools, trying to help his learning and decision making ability.

In 1979, we enrolled Dick, who was 16 years of age, in Evergreen Life Services near Minden. The school and Mr. Outz, a Special Education Professional, had a great reputation for helping special young adults.

Little did we know that the Minden community and especially Coach Ronnie Whatley, would make Dick a favorite son of the community. We had no idea of just how wonderful Minden would be

Well…Coach Whatley is just AWESOME. He has always been a source of inspiration….even if you weren’t able to do athletics. Dick is a great guy and is never short for words. I think the world of both these men. My God continue to send blessing their way.

Coach Whatley coached me and my brother in Jena La in the late 70’s. He was an awesome coach but even a greater man. I was blessed to know him and his family. Love you Coach Whatley and thank you for all you did in Jena.

My son loves Coach Whatley just like yours. I have been privileged to work with Coach Whatley at MHS and now at Webster. He is a GREAT person! Also, my kids (all 3 grown) and I love Dick. He, too,is a great person! God did a lot of working to get Dick to Minden, a city which embraces his kind heart. God is good, all the time!

know Dick and if you don’t know him you need too, he is one of the happiest men I know and sweet to all that he see. And between all this with Dick and the St. Jude’s and just what Minden gives back we live in one of the grates town.. Thank you Coach and Minden for looking out for my Friend. I meet Dick about 5 years ago when I was down at the racecar shop where Dick loved to help Mark Woods and as Mark loved having dick around. Dick and I have been friends all this time. Minden loves Dick he is the heart and sole of Minden.

What an inspiring testimony to the goodness of man and God. It thrills our hearts to know how well Dick is doing and to know much he is lived and appreciated. We know that you as his mother feel so blessed by the people God has put in Dick’s life. May God continue to bless him and all of his support team in Mibden. May God continue to bless you in every way! Love ya!

Not only has Ronnie had a relationship with Dick, but there are several young men today that owe Coach Whatley for keeping them on the right track!! I also thank you Ronnie for the influence you had on my son!! It wasn’t only about winning !! I hope that you enjoy your retirement !!